Code of Conduct

The Junior Beasties have adopted the following Code of Conduct for all players, officials, parents and supporters. The code is derived from the NSW Junior Rugby Union Code of Ethics and the Australian Sports Commission.

The Code is designed with the following in mind:

• The game is played for the enjoyment of players with sportsmanship emphasised at all times.
• To improve the physical fitness of youth through encouraging participation in Rugby by making it attractive, safe and enjoyable for all young people.
• To make adults aware that young people play to satisfy themselves and not necessarily to satisfy adults or members of their own peer group.
• To remind administrators, coaches, referees and parents that rugby must be administered, taught and provided for the good of those young people who wish to play the game. It is their game.
• Rugby provides the opportunity to meet new people and establish life long friendships.
• Basic skills and the laws of Rugby shall be imparted to all.

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Players Code

• Play for the enjoyment, not just to please your parents or coach
• You will be encouraged to play hard and strive to win within the laws of the game
• Team spirit and club loyalty must be given priority over selfish play. Work equally hard for yourself and your team - thus your teams` performance will benefit as well as your own.
• When you commit yourself to a team for the season, honour that commitment. Attend all training sessions and games each week for the whole of the season.
• Treat all other players, as you yourself would wish to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of any player.
• You will play by the rules, never argue with an official, referee or other players. Let the coach or manager sort out any problems.
• You must cooperate with coaches, team mates and opponents and play for the "fun of it" Without them you do not have a game.
• Players shall take pride and enjoy participating in sport.
• Learn to win with grace and lose with dignity. Be modest in success and appreciate your opponents’ performance, even when defeated.
• At the conclusion of the game, the opponents are to be thanked for the game as should the referee and officials who have made the game possible.

At Matches and Training

• Ensure that you are always dressed in the correct Junior Beasties uniform for all games. Mouthguards are compulsory for all games and training.
• Be punctual to all games. You should be at the ground at least half an hour before the match starts. If you arrive late you can expect to be a reserve if there is a surplus of players.
• Thursday is the official training night. If you are unable to attend you must notify your manager or the coach as to the reason why you were unable to attend. Failure to do this or supplying an unacceptable excuse may result in you not being selected in the run on side for the following match.
• If a team manager is unsure of what to do or needs to be assisted in any way, he or she should speak to the team manager for help. You will be provided with the telephone numbers of the coach and the manager.
• Rugby is a winter sport and the game should be considered on despite inclement weather. The newsletter will contain a wet weather number.
• You are expected to help with the equipment at both training and at all matches. Equipment should be looked after and cared for by the whole team. Always thank your coach after all training sessions and all games.

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Parent's Code

Sporting competitions are regarded an an important part of the child`s physical and social development. Attendance at matches by parents is welcomed and encouraged but only on the condition that the following guidelines are observed. Walla, Mini and Midi Rugby has been organised for maximum participation and enjoyment of the players and your cooperation is appreciated. Parental intervention in the team selection process is not permitted.

• Do not force an unwilling youngster to participate in rugby
• Young people are involved in rugby for their enjoyment, not yours.
• Ensure that your child is punctual, to all games wearing the correct uniform and practice sessions wearing suitable attire.
• Children should be encouraged to participate with the focus being on the child`s effort and performance rather than the overall outcome of the game. This will assist the child in setting realistic goals related to his ability by reducing the emphasis on winning.
• Remember boys best learn by example. Applaud good play by both sides. It is not sporting to show elation at an infringement of a rule or a mistake by the other side.
• Training sessions and games are not "child minding sessions" Parents are needed at matches to assist in the discipline, welfare and security of their children. At least one parent or guardian must be on hand at all training sessions to collect their child at 6.15pm.
• Children should be taught that an honest effort is as important as a victory, so that the result of each game is accepted without undue disappointment .
• Recognition will be given to individuals and the team`s meritorious achievement.
• Never ridicule or shout at a boy for making a mistake or losing a game. Encouragement will prove much more valuable in the long run.
• Support all efforts to remove physical and verbal abuse from all sporting activities.
• Parental involvement should be restricted to encouragement for the team. Leave the coaching, positional play, tactics, etc. to the team coach.
• Remember the child`s commitment to the team for the season before committing to other activities on Saturday mornings.
• If there is any concern about a referee`s decision or any other aspect of the game, it should be raised with the coach of your child`s team. Under no circumstances is the official`s honesty or judgement be questioned in public.
• Do not enter onto the field when the coaches are meeting with their team at half time. Your presence whilst well intentioned will serve as a distraction to the boys and the coaches.

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Spectators Code

• Remember that young people play organised sport for their own fun. They are not there to entertain you and they are not miniature Wallabies
• Be on your best behaviour. Don`t use profane language or harass players, coaches or referees.
• Applaud good play by your own team and the visiting team.
• Show respect for your own team`s opponents. Without them there would be no game.
• Never ridicule or scold a player for making a mistake during the game.
• Condemn the use of violence in all forms.
• Respect the referee`s decisions. If there is any concern about a referee`s decision or any other aspect of the game, it should be raised with your child`s coach. Under no circumstances is the official`s honesty or judgement to be questioned in public.
• SLEDGING CANNOT BE ACCEPTED IN ANY WAY SHAPE OR FORM. PLAYERS AND REFEREES ARE NOT FAIR GAME.

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‍In addition Junior Beasties is subject to the Sydney Junior Rugby Union Code of Conduct which states:

1. A member, coach or official shall not at any time act in a manner detrimental towards the game or the spirit of Rugby Union.
2. All clubs must take reasonable steps to ensure that Club players, officials, parents and supporters do not act in a manner detrimental towards the game or the spirit of Rugby Union.
3. During the course of, or after a match under the jurisdiction of the SJRU, a club member, player, coach, official, supporter or any other person associated with a SJRU Club, shall not abuse or address a referee or a touch judge in insulting terms, or act in an intimidating manner towards a referee or a touch judge.

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